'attention-seeking' originates from the combination of 'attention' and 'seeking', where 'attention' meant 'notice taken of someone or something' and 'seeking' meant 'attempting to find or obtain'.

'attention' changed from the Old French word 'attencion' and eventually became the modern English word 'attention'. 'Seeking' comes from the Old English word 'sēcan'.

Initially, 'attention' meant 'mental focus or concentration', but over time it evolved to include the idea of 'notice or awareness by others'.